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“Basic Questions” Curriculum

WHAT IS IT?

“Basic Questions” is a six-week message and discussion series that encourages reflection and candid conversations on some of the most important questions of the Christian faith. It includes everything needed to plan and implement the series. It’s even integrated with our mobile app to provide convenient access to the discussion guides and other Room For Doubt resources.

“Basic Questions” covers the following topics:

  1. Is Doubt Always Bad?
  2. Does God Really Exist?
  3. Isn’t the Bible Full of Myths and Mistakes?
  4. Why Do Christians Say that Jesus is God’s Son?
  5. Why Does God Allow Tragedy and Suffering?
  6. Is It Intolerant to Say that Jesus is the Only Way?
WHO CREATED IT?

Room For Doubt originally teamed with Mark Mittelberg, Garry Poole, and Lee Strobel to produce the six messages and discussion guides. Mark crafted the six messages (adapting two messages from Lee Strobel), while Garry created the discussion guides for adults and youth.

Later versions were extensively revised by Rich Knopp and Zach Breitenbach, and more materials were added. In 2019, the Basic Questions series was made digitally accessible on a totally new Room For Doubt website and integrated within its new mobile app.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

All of the necessary materials can be conveniently downloaded from our website and accessed digitally on computers or mobile devices.  Here’s what is provided:

  • A License Key offers leaders special access to all of the LEADER CONTENT below. (The license key can then be shared with ALL participants to unlock the E-Guides in the mobile app.)
  • A written introduction to the series and the messages (for leaders).
  • Six Message Manuscripts (in editable Microsoft Word format).
  • Adult Discussion Guide (available in the App E-Guides and in PDF for print options).
  • Youth Discussion Guide (available in the App E-Guides and in PDF for print options).
  • Videos for series promotion (in HD and other resolutions).
  • Videos for small group leader training (c. 30 minutes).
  • Videos for message bumpers (2-3 minutes each; usable for message introductions).
  • Additional videos of a “doubters uncensored” panel on various topics (2-4 minutes each; usable for discussion starters and adaptable for sermons, lessons, or other purposes).
  • Program graphics, logo files, program fonts, slide templates, and more.
  • Links to recommended online resources (including instructional videos, songs, and musical performances) for each of the six topics.
  • And more…
  • 6week-Youth
  • 6week-Adult
Adult & Youth Discussion Guides
WHO IS IT FOR?

The Basic Questions series is ideally designed for entire churches and area-wide church campaigns. However, it can be used in classes, small groups, Christian schools, and campus ministries.  It is for those who want to discuss some of the big questions about the Christian faith in an open and honest environment. It’s for those who have questions and doubts about Christianity and for those who want to help others who have questions and doubts.

As part of the series, Room For Doubt recommends that a special Q&A event be scheduled that promotes widespread church and community involvement. If desired, R4D can provide or recommend individuals who can help with such an event.

Why Should My Church, My Ministry, or My Small Group Consider It?

We live in a “post-Christian” culture. This partly means that more people live without much, if any, awareness of basic Christian ideas, and they are more prone to be skeptical of them. And those raised in the church increasingly question their Christian heritage. One recent Barna study indicates that about 65% of “churched” youth will not remain active in church in their twenties. In addition, more and more people do not affiliate with any religion. (See stats below.)  

Download Samples

Want to take a peek?  Download Message #1 and the Adult and Youth Discussion Guides for Session #1.  When purchased, all six of the Messages are provided in editable format.  The Discussion Guides are provided as PDF’s and can also be accessed with a license key in our Room For Doubt app for iOS and Android devices. (Be sure to download and use our app even if you don’t use our curriculum.)

Sample Youth GuideSample Adult GuideSample Message #1
Basic Questions: Youth Discussion Guide
Basic Questions: Adult Discussion Guide
Basic Questions: Message 1

Preview of Small Group Training Video

Series resources include sermon video bumpers, promotional videos, leader training videos, marketing materials and graphics, suggested song lists, and more.

Millennial "NONES" (2018-2019)

40
of millennials in America.
Pew Research Center, 2018-2019

American "NONES" (2018-2019)

68
people, all ages, in America.
Pew Research Center, 2018-2019

The fastest growing people group in America, the "NONES," are those who don't identify with any religious group.

More Stats
Play Video

Churched Doubters & “Dropouts”

David Kinnaman, Faith for Exiles (2019).
Kara Powell and Steven Argue at the Fuller Youth Institute.

Had Significant Doubts about Faith

Become Disengaged from Church in Their 20's

Of Churched Youth Are Still Engaged In Their 20's

Get the 6 Week Curriculum for your church, ministry, or small group.

Create an atmosphere that invites questions.


The R4D Series creates an atmosphere that invites questions–even doubts–about the Christian faith.  It offers experiences where you can be honest and open, without intimidation. It provides opportunities for finding some answers for why you (and others) should consider, or reconsider, the basic claims of the Christian faith.